The 50-year-old governor said he decided to opt for the surgery because he wants to improve his health for the sake of his wife and four kids. [embedgallery id= 146887]

“I’ve struggled with this issue for 20 years,” he told the Post. “For me, this is about turning 50 and looking at my children and wanting to be there for them.”

A source said Christie checked into the surgery center on Feb. 16 and used a false name. He also kept the operation secret by having his doctor visit him in his home instead of traveling to the medical office.

The surgery works by placing a silicone tube around around the top of his stomach, making him feel fuller and limiting how much he eats. Sources say he has already lost 40 lbs.

Christie denied that the decision to have the surgery was motivated by plans to run for president in 2016, but political fundraisers say they believe the operation is a sign he will run.

The New Jersey governor hired the same surgeon who operated on Jets Coach Rex Ryan, who lost approximately 100 lbs. after he underwent the same procedure in 2010.